Some rival players came back to play for the Gers because they enjoyed the old stadium so much.
Rangers and Celtic are regarded as two of the biggest clubs in the world, and supporters from all over the world come to Glasgow to see the big two in person.
Nothing compares to a European night out in the city’s East End, as Parkhead supporters will tell you, as the team has won historic games against teams like AC Milan, Barcelona, and most recently, RB Leipzig, during the past 17 years.
Gers supporters, on the other hand, will argue that Ibrox’s atmosphere when the big guns are in town is unmatched and cite the positive remarks made about the stadium by some of the greatest players who have played there in the past. Twenty of the most well-known remarks regarding the renowned old ground have been uncovered by Record Sport after searching through the archives.
Quotes describing the Rangers’ famous atmosphere
Buffon, Gianluigi
“Anfield, in Liverpool, that was one of the few stadiums – along with Rangers in Glasgow and Fenerbahce in Istanbul – where there was such commotion for the first 15-20 minutes that I had trouble concentrating.”
Bellingham, Jude
“It was brilliant to play here of course, it’s a brilliant atmosphere, a good team, a good test.”
Bellingham was so affected by Ibrox that he simply needed to say, “Some gaff,” to express how he felt.
Khedira Sami
“I had an incredible first Champions League game away at Glasgow Rangers.
“I have never witnessed a game with such a remarkable atmosphere as this one.
“I thought right away, ‘This is really something special.'”
“It had a unique atmosphere, you feel like the whole world is watching and I have loved the competition ever since.”
Valdes Victor
Both at home and away, Celtic produce a fantastic atmosphere, but I still believe that our match against Rangers was the most scary venue I have ever played in.
They made a lot of noise, so there must be something about Glasgow. As a goalie, you normally filter out the noise from the supporters, but that night’s noise was unavoidable.
There isn’t another instance that comes to me where we didn’t score while Henry, Ronaldinho, and Messi were all on the same pitch.
“That night, Rangers battled like warriors, and I have no doubt that the atmosphere they created for their players and the fans played a significant role in their performance.”
Del Piero, Alessandro
“What I recall is the warm reception and the enthusiasm of the crowd, which cheers and sings for his side for ninety minutes while also showing respect and admiration for the opposition.
“I went out with lots of applause, and it was a great honour for me.”
Neville, Gary
“Compared to any English ground away from home, this one has the loudest vibe I’ve ever encountered.
“The atmosphere at Old Trafford for European matches has been amazing on some nights—the matches against Juventus spring to mind.
However, this was unquestionably among the greatest. It was amazing.
“I was wondering what was going on when we first came out because I was looking around and noticed folks in the directors’ box leaping up and singing. That is not typically the case.
Henry Thierry
“I am aware of the environment created here, which makes things difficult for any team. Once more, I found the supporters to be unbelievable.
“They were not swearing or shouting stupid things, they pushed their team forward and that’s great to see.”
Senna Marcos
“Normally, when we play, players can’t even hear the fans, but in Glasgow, it was hard to ignore the throng.
“When they scored, the noise was amazing, incredible.”
Mattheus Lotthar
“I recall playing in Glasgow once against Rangers. “The atmosphere was amazing.”
Didier Drogba
“Ooh la la! At Ibrox, the atmosphere is quite fantastic. According to my perspective, football is incredibly beautiful. That’s the way to help your team.
Raspadori Giacomo
“Other teams might have been alarmed by the atmosphere in which this was played. However, it became a lovely evening. We had a fantastic triumph in a fantastic setting on a fantastic evening.
Nistelrooy, Ruud van
“I will always remember the night we performed there. The environment felt unreal and extremely antagonistic.
Letizi Lionel
“Despite hearing about the amazing atmosphere, I was shocked by how noisy it was.
“Being early, the stadium was deserted when we got there and stepped onto the ground.
“We heard a rumbling sound as soon as we entered the tunnel after returning inside to change.
“And I was astounded by what I heard when we returned to the pitch. The game hadn’t even begun yet, yet the sound was horrifying.
“I then had to walk to my goal and when the referee blew his whistle to start the match the sound which came from the stand at my back almost knocked me over.”
Van Bronckhorst, Giovanni
“The idea that players may experience a frightening environment when playing at visiting venues is not fictitious.
“Ruud (Ruud van Nistelrooy) told me that he found it really terrifying when we defeated PSV at Ibrox in the Champions League. He claimed that the match was among the most atmospheric he had ever seen.
Lampard, Frank
“All the guys were talking about how great the Rangers fans were.
“With that kind of backing from their crowd, they will be hard to beat.”
Neville, Phil
“I must admit that playing at Ibrox was one of the best experiences of my life, even though my career has led me to some incredible athletic arenas throughout the world and I have enjoyed amazing atmospheres.
“When the Champions League anthem played the hairs on the back of my neck literally stood straight up and I have never, ever heard noise like that crowd made.”
Seedorf, Clarence
“The fans were fantastic; it’s a beautiful stadium, great pitch – the perfect atmosphere for a football match.”
Ravanelli, Fabrizio
“My affection for Scotland stems from my passion for football.
“When I was at Juventus, we played against Rangers and I just always remembered this incredible, fantastic, burning atmosphere.”
Crespo, Hernan
“I’ve played at Ibrox – the atmosphere in Scottish stadiums is sensational.”
Mendieta Gaizka
“The atmosphere was amazing when we played Rangers at home. We performed admirably.
“Ibrox hosted the rematch, and the atmosphere was amazing once more. The actual game was really thrilling. It was amazing how they were playing and how the supporters were supporting them, even though there was a two-goal difference at halftime. It seemed like 0-0 [laughs].
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